Learning from Moped Crash Data: Identifying Risk Factors Contributing to the Severity of Injuries Sustained by Moped Riders

Mopeds are light vehicles that provide solutions for short-distance travel, traffic congestion, and environmental pollution issues. However, because of the limited physical protection they offer, moped riders are more likely to sustain severe injuries in a crash than vehicle passengers. This study aims to investigate the features and patterns associated with recent moped crashes and analyzed the severity of injuries sustained by riders and related risk factors in 1,657 moped crashes in Michigan during a five-year period (2017-2021). A multinomial logit model was built to examine the association between crash injury severity levels and 13 variables from three main categories: crash features; rider behaviors/cognitive status; and environmental conditions. The descriptive statistics showed that 79% of injuries sustained by moped riders in crashes were minor, and the injured riders tended to be younger, male, and not wearing helmets. The findings indicate a significant correlation between the severity of injuries sustained by riders and several factors: the type of crash (whether single, head-on, or angle collision); the age of the riders (with older riders being more susceptible), visibility conditions (especially during nighttime); and helmet usage. Notably, single and head-on crashes were the primary causes of injuries. These results highlight the importance of heightened vigilance among moped riders, particularly when navigating poorly maintained surfaces or riding under low-light conditions. It is imperative that riders consistently use helmets to minimize risks. Additionally, setting guidelines or restrictions on helmet use, rider age, riding hours, and permissible areas in which to ride could further contribute to improving overall safety for moped riders.